Our view editorial: Everyone should act to conserve water now, later

As the dry conditions continue and lake levels remain low, with some coves on Lake Wylie all but dried up, it’s time for residents and local businesses to act. It’s time to conserve water and energy. Yes, energy, because water is used to run our electricity.

In 2007, local businesses such as Lanier Scrub n’ Scoot voluntarily shut down self-water services one day a week. This deserved high praise when the water was at just 3 inches above the critical minimum level needed. On Friday at press time, Lake Wylie was at 7 inches above the point where water is necessary for various uses. Below that and public, private, municipal, commercial and industrial water intakes begin to be exposed.

While we hope we don’t get to that point again, last week another county in North Carolina was added to Drought 2 severe status, for a total of seven.

It’s important for everyone along the Catawba River basin to understand we all use this water. Although York County remains in Drought 1 moderate drought, without water from the north we, too, dry up. The impact is regional.

Everyone who lives near the Catawba chain must act. It’s not just about the lakefront homes and businesses or towns on the river – everyone needs to be doing their part.

Wasting water, during drought or otherwise, is rash. Seeing sprinklers watering neighborhood or business open-space during this drought makes us cringe.

Here are suggestions to conserve at home that were encouraged by municipalities in 2007:

▪ Cut shower time. A one- or two-minute reduction can save up to 700 gallons per month.

▪ Run only full loads of laundry or dishes. This can save 400-600 gallons per month.

▪ Use towels an extra day before tossing them into the laundry.

▪ Only flush the toilet when you have to: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow.” This can save 400-600 gallons a month.

▪ Put a brick or plastic bottle filled with pebbles or water in the toilet tank to displace water. This saves 5 to 10 gallons a day– up to 300 gallons a month or more.

▪ Inspect for leaks in plumbing and repair them as soon as possible.

▪ Educate co-workers, family and friends about water conservation.

▪ Turn off the water when brushing teeth or shaving.

▪ Use a broom instead of a hose to clean pavement and decks.

If we start practicing these and other conservation tips in our everyday lives, we can save water now and into the future.

This story was originally published August 14, 2015 at 2:50 PM with the headline "Our view editorial: Everyone should act to conserve water now, later."